Very Nice! That the favorite J frame I own. I'll never sell it.

__________________
NRA Certified Instructor

A Scotsman from Illinois? Or perhaps a Yorkshire man?
__________________
There's nowt so queer as folk

I'm a fan of the model. This is the second S&W I ever bought.



The next time you see it that useless front ramp will have been replaced by a a Tritium Big Dot sight.

I liked this look so much I even bought a 296 in .44 Special. But despite the hump, which looks like a shroud for a hammer capable of SA operation, the 296 is a DA-only gun like the Centennial.

__________________
David Wilson

I bought this gun about 2 years ago. At the time I was looking for a concealed carry gun, and this has worked out great for me. And is very accurate with both the 38's and the 357's. Ray

Attached Images

	101_1311.jpg (99.7 KB, 96 views)
	101_1309.jpg (98.9 KB, 89 views)
	101_1308.jpg (83.1 KB, 97 views)

This one was my prize for winning the 1st PPC match I shot as a probationer on the LAPD...it came engraved with my initials and badge, done by the LAPD Revolver club in 1985. Still DAO (mandated by the Dept), it was my off-duty and back-up gun for several years, until I discovered other guns. It wears the same Pachmayrs I bought for it in '85.
Bob

Nice gun and a great story Bob. That one would be a Keeper.

Have you shot the 5" M10 yet? We're not getting any younger.

Hotrod150...per the SCSW..and general observation the centennials and Bodyguards were all round butt.

__________________
John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Haven't shot it. It's just too nice, sitting there in the box. I do look at it a lot, though.
Bob

Waaaay off topic, but I'd love to have a 5" Model 10... a stickup shot at me with one Feb. 29, 1980 while trying to escape.

Old but great thread. Rescued this 1985 (Serial AHL23xx) Model 639 dash-nothing from a local gun store yesterday, $425 with box, papers, tools and original packing paper. It has a turn line, but shows very little use. A very nice find, I think!

Yep, an oldie but definitely a goodie!!!
I don't believe I've shown my trio of 49ers... Nickel 49 from 1984, Blue 49-2 from 1990, and my 649-2 from 1996.

Attached Images

49ers.jpg (47.0 KB, 105 views)

Great collection! You have to love that hammer nose, hiding in the shroud.

Nice to see this old thread come back to life! Gives me a chance to post my first S&W. I bought it new back in '79. Back in the mid 90s I bought the 649-3 which is my most often ccw.

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

$425 for that full package, you did good. All you need is a polished grip adapter.

__________________
Ed

I've almost had enough already....ever since I traded off my 49 I've wanted a 49/649 badly. Every time I have some cash to spend I find something else and can't say no. I'm seriously thinking of putting my 60 up for trade for one. No joke! Oh and here's a pic of that old 49 of mine.

__________________
Jim

My only "J" frame is a 649-2. IMO, it is the perfect revolver for carry, especially in a Galco horsehide pocket holster. Being able to thumb cock it gives you better control when needed and it doesn't snag when drawing it. I have no desire to shoot .357 magnum ammo in such a small frame, and for those of you that own those models, more power to you. My round of choice for this gun is Federal 129 grain, +P, JHP. And yes, from a purely esthetic view, they are really ugly revolvers.

...........I have shown images of this model 649 before. This is the firearm I have with me 99 & 2/3s % of the time. To me, this one is J frame perfection. A box stock 49 or 640 IMO is one of the best personal protection handguns made. Dependable, easy to carry, in an adequate caliber, and can be mastered with practice.

The good folks up at Cylinder & Slide took a great revolver and made it perfect for my needs.

Mostly carried in a Galco pocket holster but these are two choice I sometimes use to carry the bodyguard, a vintage Safariland model 16 and a Blackhawk holster that has some features reminiscent of the old Berns Martin style.

Wearing old Eagle SS grips in stag.

Always a reload or two.

__________________
LEX ET ORDO

Your biggest challenge might be finding one! I rarely see them (649 or 49) in my frequent visits to my LGSs and pawn shops. And I'm with you on the Md 60. It's a great gun but IMO not too difficult to replace.

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

I've often read here on the forum that shooting .357 in a J frame is something close to cruel and unusual punishment! However, I've never had second thoughts about shooting .357 in my 649-3. Maybe it's the fantastic Uncle Mike's grips that came on the gun the make it a totally fine experience. And it's also true that I only shoot from 10-15 rounds when I practice with it. In all honesty, I love to shoot my 649-3 w/.357.

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

Got a picture of one somewhere here. Paid $360 for it a few weeks ago. Pretty much 99%. It's really a neat gun made in 1976. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. One requirement is that all my revolvers have a hammer that is usable making this a perfect little gun.

Attached Images

M49 Pic 3.jpg (117.8 KB, 110 views)

__________________
Dr. B

Agreed about the "pain".

__________________
Jim

Isn't that the truth! Maybe someone reading this really wants a 60 no dash?

I'm going to think about it for a night or 2 and maybe it'll end up on the for sale forums.

Now back to more pics of those wonderful humpbacks!

__________________
Jim

I love the Bodyguards! I had a Model 49 some years ago and always shot it. It wasn't uncommon for me to shoot 150-200 rds through it in one visit. When I was about to go overseas on Embassy Duty, I sold it. Drats!

Fast forward to 1998. I was about to be hired as a Police Officer for the Glendale, CO PD. I needed a back-up for vest and/or ankle carry, as well as an off-duty gun. I purchased a new 38-2 for around $300 OTD.

I used it for about 18-months in all of the above roles. I shot it quite a bit with the Department-issue Federal 129gr Hydra-Shok +P. Never once did it choke.

Sometime in late 1999, my good friend and partner, Officer Doug Byrne needed a back-up for on-duty use to back-up his Colt 1991A1. I gave it to him (for a few beers at our nearby Old Chicago bar) and used my custom Model 442 Centennial in the back-up role.

In February 2007, I spoke with Doug (who was now working for the Aurora, CO PD) and caught up with him. We discussed many things during our phone call. He said he was carrying a Kel-Tec in the back-up and off-duty roles. I asked if he still had the Model 38-2. He told me he did and asked if I wanted it back. I told him yes and asked if he could deliver it to the nearby Firing Line Gunsmith in Aurora, near DIA. He did.

About a month later, I got a call from my friends at Glendale when I was at TBS in Quantico. They told me that Doug was killed in a one-car patrol car accident. He was responding to a medical call Code 10 (Code 3 for others) when a woman pulled in front of him. He attempted to get out of the way and rolled his Ford Police Interceptor and was ejected from the vehicle. He struck a 3-foot high retaining wall head first. He died several hours later from TBI.

I called Tim Gerhardt at Firing Line and apprised him of Doug's death. He suggested that in addition to the XS 'Big Dot', Action work and Trigger radius that the sideplate be engraved with Doug's initials and Glendale PD ID Number. I agreed.

In addition to the obvious sentimental value, this gun is a VERY good shooter, made better by the XS sight. The action is buttery smooth and breaks at 8 lbs DA. I don't do SA, so it doesn't matter. I've since added a set of S&W Diamondwood grips and a T-Grip. Its role is as a pocket gun.

RIP Officer Douglas D. Byrne (1969-2007) Fallen officer "died a hero" - The Denver Post

Ugly? Never! Homely, maybe, but never ugly.

__________________
Ed

I "liked" your post not because of the loss of your friend in the line of duty, but because of the way he is memorialized. I'm sure he's smiling down from above.

__________________
Jim

You honor your friend well, both with your memory of him and that fine firearm.

__________________
SFC, US Army, Retired

I "joined the club" a while back when I purchased this 649-3:



Love the Ergo grip. HATE the SDM front sight. Luckily, the Ergos make this humpback a natural and instinctive pointer. With the 2 1/8" underlug barrel, the balance feels just right. Yeah, the "Magnum J" has kind of grown on me.

I own a Model 49. Manufactured in 1972. I purchased it in 2000 from a retired police officer. He purchased it new in 1973. I was a new officer and needed a backup gun, but I didn't have lots of money at the time. I'm still carrying that same Model 49 as my backup fifteen years later. Took it in a couple years ago and told my gunsmith to give it a complete checkup. He took it apart, cleaned it, lubed it and told me that it's in great shape and can easily be passed onto my son if he should follow in my footsteps. I've never considered replacing it. Nothing fancy, but reliable and solid.

__________________
I type. Therefore I am.

I just might have to get my own Model 38 out of mothballs! It has had no exercise in years. A Model 442 replaced it for pocket carry.

I bet we've crossed paths. I was with Denver until I retired last year.
I still remember Doug's story. That was a genuine loss to the LE community around there.
That's a very nice memorial you have there. Hope you carry it for many more years to come.

Mine is nothing exceptional; just a common current production model. It shoots directly to point of aim, has a smooth double action and crisp 3lb single with minimal over travel, and makes a great discreet waistband and occasional pocket carry. It is always entertaining with magnums, as my friend demonstrates.
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
Screenshot_2015-06-01-14-31-26 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

I'm in as of yesterday
49 no dash nickel
photo not so great, gun looks like new.

Found this at a local pawn shop!
$475 OTD

...I bought my first 49 just after George Wallace was shot when there was talk about banning snubbies... That was 1972 and as I was only 20 so my grandfather signed for me... It was stolen in a burglary in 1975...

Bob

Bought this one brand new in 1996. It came with Uncle Mikes grips, these are S&W grips that I got them to include in the deal. It's a 49-2 so it will shoot .38 + P ammo.

For myself perfect function is the real beauty in life and nothing serves Humpbacks extraordinary ability to offer protection without presentation, better. Now this will take care of those hairy knuckles, but in the past we spent the time wasting jackets by firing our Bodyguards from the pockets, it needs to be an up-close practices but will work, it is best to have the jacket unbutton to support a straight forward aim otherwise you have to turn your body. I was once told by a LEO about carry two, one in each coat pocket for the secure feeling. Oh, notice the checkering missing on the 649-2, that was rubbed off by my belly.

Great thread. I purchased a nickel model 38 bodyguard in the
1980's. Put pearl grips on it to match my BBQ nickel colt 1812
Carried it by itself or as a bug with a 1911
Even had my overcoat pocket lined with suede Lots
Of adventures. Sadly the frame cracked and sent back to smith
Couldn't be repaired. I replaced it with the current model 649
Little heavier but great shooter. I ignore the lock and it ignores
Me. Thinking of putting faux ivory or the original wood grips
From the model 38 which were not included when I sent
The cracked frame into smith. I still have the box for the
Nickel model 38 Listed it but no interest
Lining my dress top coats pockets with suede was not hard
To do just find a good mens clothing store. It made a great
Way to carry ever ready. I got the idea from an old Michigan
State trooper that told me their uniform pocket was lined for
Keeping a humpback in it so they could approach a vehicle
Operator ready for anything without keeping their hand
On their duty weapon. It really is a great idea if you live
In colder winter areas
This really is a great thread. Keep it going

Von

My eyes!!!!!!!

My battered waistband holster with the 649 inside. Holster was made by my bud Vic Perez in Burbank, CA when I was a probationer. Gun, holster and myself made it through 24-plus years on the LAPD unscathed, except for numerous personnel complaints. The 649 is always within reach.
Bob



Groups well with 135 grain Gold Dots

Took my 9mm revolvers to the range the other day...this was 5 rounds of Winchester 9mm ball at 5 yards DA...

Attached Images

004_zpsbl7j6jbl.jpg (112.6 KB, 64 views)

7 yards and 13 yards...at 13 I was standing facing the sun and there was a bad reflection coming from the left side of the rear sight notch which I think caused me to have the front sight too far to the left in the notch...

Attached Images

	005_zps1gcpoo9e.jpg (114.4 KB, 34 views)
	006_zpssygwl8qk.jpg (111.0 KB, 34 views)

Great thread, John!

I used to think these little guys were kinda ugly, but they're starting to grow on me...

__________________
Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245

Me and you bear bio!!

__________________
Riding, Shooting, and Truth

If these little revolvers appeal to you, you might want to view this detailed history of the Bodyguard revolver breed.

John

History of the S&W Bodyguard revolvers

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Sigh, wife annexed my M.38 from the 1970s. The "Matt Helm" book revolver.
Geoff
Who is thinking about a new J or LCR...

This is my favorite J frame, Model 38 purchased at S&W in August 1963 by an employee of the U.S. Treasury Dept. Except for a couple of cylinders full of vintage 158gr RN I put through it and the Tyler T-Grip which I too added it"S about the same as the day it left Springfield. The serial #, 2595xx puts the DOB as after 1957 but prior to 1962.




She may be a humpback girl but I think she's very pretty!

__________________
BCCI Life Member #2068

My Model 49 from the early 1970's was a gift from a close friend. His father was a New York City officer for many years and this was his father's personal weapon.

I first met the father in the 1970's and he passed away in 1995. The pistol was stored in a safe deposit box until it was gifted to me last year. It apparently had been cleaned and oiled before it was stored.

The pictures show my Model 49 as I received it. Note the well worn minimal holster that the original owner used daily.

After I received it, I gave it a thorough cleaning. I have put several hundred rounds through it at the range since. It runs flawlessly. The only thing I did to the gun was to replace the original grips with some larger rubber grips that are much more comfortable for me.

Attached Images

	193f, S&W Model 49 Revolver.jpg.JPG (63.7 KB, 119 views)
	193a, S&W Model 49 P1060894zz.jpg (176.2 KB, 90 views)
	193, S&W Model 49 P1060893zz.jpg (194.9 KB, 102 views)

Bmesw49, consider a grip adapter or wood 'combat' grips to preserve the little blaster's unique character--see my profile pic. That T-Grip makes it very comfortable to shoot with my average/large hands.

__________________
Registration? NEVER!

Ditto on the grip adapter. It will give you much better purchase on the gun, and will keep the original stocks with the gun for collector purposes. Simple removal of the adapter will return the gun to factory status. Replaced grips often get lost to the dismay of future collectors.

Here's an example of one attached to a Model 40-1.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I have looking for a Bodyguard for awhile now; the design grows on you

I bought my first humpback today a Model 49. The finish is a bit worn, but the lockup is nice and tight. It didn't come with any box/papers and came with a set of Pachmayr Gripper grips. I put on a set of Hogue Bantams until I decide on something different.